Wednesday, 1 October 2014

The headline will have grabbed your attention. Pity the fine print was not as widely read by the unfortunate souls who signed the online agreement.

How often have you been asked to sign an online agreement before downloading content or subscribing to a service?

I suggest that you never sign anything until you have read it and understood it.

Fortunately there is a happy ending, this was not a genuine contract, but a survey to see if anyone would sign the contract and in any case our legal friends advise us that the contract could not be enforced under UK law.

Friday, 29 August 2014

This will not affect you unless you live in the areas concerned but from 1st October 2014 telephone subscribers in Aberdeen, Bradford, Brighton, Middlesborough and Milton Keynes will need to dial the Area code when dialling local numbers.

What change is happening to local phone calls?

From 1 October 2014, people in five areas of the UK will need to include the area code whenever they dial a local number from a landline – in the same way people currently do when calling from mobile phones. At present the code can be omitted for local calls from landlines , but this means Ofcom is unable to make available new local numbers beginning with a ‘zero’ or a ‘one’.
The change will free up new telephone numbers to be issued in areas where supplies are running low.

Which areas are affected?

The change will happen in five dialling code areas:
•Aberdeen (01224): Includes Aberdeen and the area to the west, including towns such as Westhill.
•Bradford (01274): Includes Bradford and the surrounding areas such as Baildon, Bingley, Cleckheaton and Shipley.
•Brighton (01273): Includes Brighton and Hove, as well as places such as Lewes, Newhaven, Peacehaven and Southwick.
•Middlesbrough (01642): Includes Middlesbrough and surrounding places such as Stockton, Redcar, Stokesley and Yarm.
•Milton Keynes (01908): Includes Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Newport Pagnell and an area to the north as far as Ravenstone.

When will the change happen?

If you live in one of the five areas, you will have to dial the local code from 1 October 2014. However, you can already do this and it is good idea to get into the habit of dialling the code from today.

What if I forget to dial the code?

After 1 October 2014, if you dial a local number but forget to include the code, you will hear a free message asking you to redial including the code.

Will the cost of making a call change?

No. Dialling the code does not affect the price of the call.

Will phone numbers change?

No. The change is only to the way local numbers are dialled from landlines. By this change, we can increase the supply of numbers without changing anybody’s existing phone number. This is important for us, as we know that number changes are costly and inconvenient for consumers and businesses.

Why are the changes necessary in these particular areas?

The number of telecoms companies has increased significantly over the last ten years, leading to more competition and cheaper landline bills for millions of homes and businesses. But it has also led to increased pressure on the supply of new phone numbers and we have forecast shortages in these five areas.
Asking landline callers to use the code when dialling local numbers is intended to safeguard the future supply of new landline numbers and avoid the need for more disruptive measures, such as changing existing phone numbers. The supply of new landline numbers also ensures that consumers and businesses continue to enjoy the widest choice of telecoms providers.

How will the changes increase the supply of phone numbers?

Allowing callers to omit the code makes it impossible to allocate local numbers that begin with zero or one – such as (01224) 077 345 or (01224) 118 456.
This is because, if a person dialled such a local number and omitted the code, the network would interpret the dialled digits as a mobile number (e.g. beginning 07) or directory enquiries number (e.g. beginning 118), rather than a local number. This could lead to the call failing to be connected, or being connected to the wrong number. Around 200,000 more numbers will be made available in each of the five areas as a result of the change to the way local numbers may be dialled.

Has this been tried anywhere else?

Yes. In November 2012, Ofcom implemented the same change in the Bournemouth dialling code area, where the process ran smoothly. (Going into the change, Ofcom research showed that 81% of local residents were aware of it, and 94% said they were not concerned by it.)

How are you going to tell people about this change?

Telecoms companies will help to communicate the change to their customers. Ofcom is also engaging with residents through local media, local councils and business groups. Together, Ofcom and the telecoms companies will ensure callers in the five areas are informed of the change in good time, and the local community is prepared.

Who should I contact for further information?

Ofcom is working with telephone companies to ensure callers in the five areas are informed of the change in good time, and the local communities are prepared. In the meantime, if you have any questions you can contact Ofcom at dialthecode@ofcom.org.uk or call 0300 123 3333.

Is this change happening in any other areas?

No, not at the moment. Changes in dialling local numbers are only being introduced when areas need an additional supply of numbers. This limits disruption to people in other areas that do not need more numbers.
There is no change on 1 October to the way local numbers can be dialled in surrounding areas with different codes.

Why don’t you change numbers as you have done in other areas in the past?

Ofcom has changed consumers’ numbers and codes in the past to create more new phone numbers, and this solution ensures a long-term supply. However changes to numbers are costly and inconvenient for consumers and businesses. Ofcom’s consumer research found that local residents and businesses prefer having to dial the code to changing their phone number. Sources http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/phone/numbering/dial-the-code/

Thursday, 31 July 2014

The government funded Connection Vouchers Scheme has been extended to include some parts of Oldham and Stockport.

The parts of Oldham included for the first time are Broadway Business Park, Brookgate Business Park and Greengate Industrial Estate at Chadderton and Salmon Fields Business Village at Royton.
The scheme provides grants of between £100 and £3000 for the cost of connection of faster broadband service and runs until March 2015.
Other areas of Oldham are not covered by this scheme but in many cases Plum Communications offer Free Installation to customers taking service on contracts between one and three years.

Advantages of Faster Broadband

Businesses adopting Faster Broadband have found that the benefits are:

A stronger ability to work collaboratively on projects with other groups within an organisation or with external organisations

The capability to upload and download large multi media files, making user and customer experiences easier and more streamlined

The ability to link up separate work sites and remote workers

Does My Business Qualify for the Connection Voucher Scheme?

Each business or organisation will have the chance of receiving the vouchers valued from £100 up to £3000 if they meet the required criteria for eligibility. If you are wondering whether or not your business qualifies for the Connection Vouchers Scheme then have a look below at some of the qualifying conditions. This list is not exhaustive so please speak to a member of the Plum Communications team to find out more information on eligibility.

Connections must cost over £100

The connection must indicate a step change in connectivity

Contract duration must be for at least six months

Small to Medium sized Enterprise need to meet the same definition as defined by the European Commission

You must be located in a local authority of one of the SuperConnected Cities

There are other conditions which also apply, please see guidance from your Local Authority on this as there are different rules for each city

How Do I Begin the Process?

Firstly contact Plum Communications for a quotation or estimate and an initial check on whether you may qualify for the scheme

You will then need to submit your application and quotation or estimate online

If your application is successful and you receive a voucher or conditional offer letter you will place your order with us at Plum Communications

You will be responsible for payment of VAT and the invoice amount less the voucher amount and you will send the invoice and claim form to your local authority for payment of the voucher amount

The Connection Voucher will contribute to or cover the initial installation cost. Connection costs in excess of £3000 and ongoing costs are not covered by the grant and your business will have to pay for those. If you are not in a SuperConnected City or do not qualify for a voucher we may still be able to offer free or reduced price installation.

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

WAYNE Hemingway MBE and broadcaster Steph McGovern headlined an event that encouraged Newcastle businesses to make more of the internet to reach customers and boost the local economy.

Wayne, co-founder of Red or Dead and multi-disciplinary HemingwayDesign - was the keynote speaker at the Go Digital Newcastle Superfast Summit – an event to promote the funding and free support available as part of Go Digital Newcastle, a campaign to deliver superfast broadband to 97pc of the city by summer 2015.

TV journalist Steph hosted the event and shared anecdotes from across the country including companies struggling with slow internet speeds and employers across a range of sectors facing a digital skills shortage.

Wayne told a packed audience how he and his wife Gerardine began their business empire with a market stall on Camden Market - growing Red or Dead into a global brand and selling it 19 years later for a significant sum.

The 53-year-old addressed the issue of how the digital arena has since opened up a world of opportunities for businesses, and how he and Gerardine have used those opportunities to further grow the many strands of their businesses, including HemingwayDigital, a division of the renowned and award-winning Hemingway Design.

Wayne said: “Digitally enhanced communities are creative, innovative and exciting places to be and live, they enrich people’s lives.

“Those who use the internet well are those who know that it’s not just about what you sell, it’s about the people you sell to, it’s their lifestyles that are important.

“Online videos are a brilliant tool for businesses, councils and charities – they are low cost and have the potential to reach a huge audience.

“The most successful brands are the ones that give people something they can use or share with others, things like videos, posters and pictures.

“People respond to generosity, the world isn’t a nasty place, there are some nasty people but 99pc of people are decent folk.”

Wayne also highlighted HemingwayDesign’s hugely popular The Vintage Festival, which celebrates the best of British music, fashion, film, art and design, and he shared details of how The Vintage Festival has reached hundreds of thousands of people purely using social media.

Further Information:

Plum Communications are a registered supplier for the Connection Voucher Scheme which provides contribution of up to £3000 towards installation costs of high speed broadband for qualifying businesses subject to postcode area and acceptance on the scheme.

Tuesday, 1 July 2014

As the Official Network Infrastructure Supporter for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Cisco is delighted to provide a highly secure and robust network infrastructure enabling the connection of data, voice, video and devices to one of the world’s biggest sporting events!
Cisco® solutions provided to Glasgow 2014 will include a network consisting of an impressive 2,300 IP phones, 441 switches, 378 access points, 16 routers, 15 digital media players, 14 ace load balancers and eight firewalls.

Cisco are proud and excited to be a part of this great sporting event and will help deliver a truly connected spectator experience.
Cisco operates throughout the UK and across the globe, and employs around 150 people in Scotland.

Phil Smith, CEO Cisco UK and Ireland said "I am really excited that the Commonwealth Games are coming to Glasgow and even more pleased that Cisco is an official supporter of the games. I believe we are in a fabulous position to make the visitor experience absolutely brilliant and better than anything ever achieved at a Commonwealth Games. At Cisco we like to make amazing things happen by connecting the previously unconnected. 'The Internet of Everything' is our approach to connecting people, process, data and all things on the network. Glasgow 2014 is a perfect stage to showcase what we can make possible."

As part of the agreement, Cisco will also sponsor Team Scotland, Team England, Team Wales and Team Northern Ireland.

For more information on how Cisco can enable your organisation contact Plum Communications 01616223500.
http://www.plumcom.co.uk.

These regulations affect any trader providing service to consumers, i.e. Business to Consumer relationships. Some activities are excluded, gambling, banking, some areas of property, lettings, package travel, regular food deliveries and timeshare because they are covered by other areas of law. The regulations do not apply to vending machine sales, automated sales or services ordered by phone or internet for a single connection.

We wish to highlight one part of the regulations because it relates to use of telephone numbers, we will let you read the rest of the document at your leisure.

41. Help-line charges over basic rate (1) Where a trader operates a telephone line for the purpose of consumers contacting the trader by telephone in relation to contracts entered into with the trader, a consumer contacting the trader must not be bound to pay more than the basic rate. (2) If in those circumstances a consumer who contacts a trader in relation to a contract is bound to pay more than the basic rate, the contract is to be treated as providing for the trader to pay to the consumer any amount by which the charge paid by the consumer for the call is more than the basic rate.If you currently provide service or products to consumers and your activities are not excluded you need to consider the numbers you publish for after sales calls.

Numbers beginning 01, 02 and 03 are acceptable because they are classed as local calls so they are not charged more than basic rate.

Premium rate numbers beginning 09, 0871, 0872, 0873 and numbers beginning 084 are not acceptable as they are charged at more than basic rate.

Numbers beginning 080 are Freephone numbers but because they cost more than basic rate from some mobiles you should provide an alternative number for mobile users.

Numbers beginning 07 are mobile numbers, some of these could be free to callers within their mobile call bundles but not all numbers are. The guidelines suggest these are acceptable but you may wish to consider providing an alternative number.

If you currently use 084x and 087x numbers you can request alternative numbers beginning 03 replacing the second digit, 8, for a 3, with the rest of the number remaining the same. This means that the number 0845 123 4567 could be replaced with 0345 123 4567, for example. We class these as reserved numbers as they can only be ordered by the customer with the matching 08 number.

Plum Communications can provide a whole range of 01, 02, 03 numbers including the reserved 03 numbers and we can route them to your choice of destination number. Our hosted services allow use of auto attendant, divert to mobile, voicemail, call recording, time of day routing and in call transfer to alternative destination.

For more information on how to stay compliant and how to use inbound numbers please call:

Tuesday, 10 June 2014

From 10 June 2014 a new domain name type is available to register in the uk. It ends in .uk but unlike other domains it is not preceded by .co or .org etc. If you have ever tired of giving your domain name in full or found the domain name is too long to fit on your business card now is the time to register the slightly shorter variant.

Launched today the .uk domain is available to register subject to some rules. Where .co.uk or org.uk or .me.uk existed prior to 28 September 2013 their registrants have precedence to register the .uk variant of the name. The reservation period is five years but we would recommend registering early so you can use either variant. Where none of these existed and where the domain is not excluded anyone can register the .uk name subject to Nominet rules.

Plum Communications are able to register the new .uk domain names now as well as the second level domains managed by Nominet (see below).

.co.uk
The number one domain for British businesses online.

.org.uk
The preferred non-commercial domain for championing causes and raising support, intended for non-commercial organisations and is most commonly used by charities, trade unions, political parties, community groups, educational councils, professional institutions etc.

.me.uk
The personal domain for individuals wanting to build a unique, online presence.

.ltd.uk
For private limited companies, designed to work with the system used by Companies House, companies should be able to have a domain name which closely matches their company name.

.plc.uk
For public limited companies, designed to work with the system used by Companies House, companies should be able to have a domain name which closely matches their company name.

.net.uk
For Internet Service Providers.

.sch.uk
For schools, because many schools share similar if not identical names, geographical areas are used as third level domains to differentiate between them. For example, schoolname.area.sch.uk.

Other separately managed domain types include:
.ac.uk for academic establishments such as universities
.gov.uk for government bodies
.mod.uk and .mil.uk for UK Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence establishments
.nhs.uk for NHS organisations
.police.uk for UK Police Force

Thursday, 5 June 2014

Earlier this week, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced that an international effort had disrupted the activities of the peer-to-peer (P2P) variant of ZeuS/ZBOT known as “Gameover.” Trend Micro was one of the parties that was involved in this effort to disrupt the activities of this well-known online banking Trojan.

Gameover is well-known for its resilience to takedowns. This is due to its peer-to-peer connection to its command and control (C&C) server as compared to other ZeuS variants (such as IceIX, Citadel and KINS) that employed centralized C&C servers.
Gameover is based on the source code of ZeuS, which was leaked in May 2011.

However, it has significant differences from other malware families (like Citadel and Kins) that are also based from the said leaked source code. Typically, a ZeuS malware only connects to a specific command-and-control (C&C) server defined in its configuration file. If the server is already inaccessible, the ZBOT malware will unable to download the dynamic configuration file that contains the targeted banking URLs.

The first ZBOT variant with P2P capabilities was seen in late September 2011, and was detected as TSPY_ZBOT.SMQH. Users are lured into clicking a malicious link pointing them to a malicious website that served the Blackhole Exploit Kit (BHEK). BHEK was an exploit kit known for using various software vulnerabilities; at the time it was the most common exploit kit in use.

More recently, Gameover variants still propagate via spam mails, but with the help of other malware like UPATRE that download encrypted executable files to bypass firewall filters. Some of these newer variants are detected as TSPY_ZBOT.ABTE. UPATRE malware is one of the malware commonly seen in email attachments which download other malware onto infected systems.

Investigations suggest that Gameover builders are not sold to individuals. Instead, they are privately operated which means only one Gameover botnet is running , compared to the multiple botnets that power other ZeuS variants. Gameover has been using the same RC4 key to decrypt the downloaded configuration file since it was first discovered; this also makes Gameover resistant to takedowns as the entire botnet can quickly share new configuration files and updated versions.

Infection Flow
Gameover initially decrypts the static configuration file which contains the hardcoded peers and the RC4 key to decrypt the downloaded configuration file. Usually 20 IP addresses with different port and communication keys are listed in the static configuration file.
It queries the hardcoded peers to check which are still alive to connect to the botnet network. Once connected to a peer, it can download updated configuration file, binary, and list of peer IPs.
If all 20 peers are dead, Gameover will still try to connect to its C&C server. To find the URL of this server, it uses a domain generation algorithm (DGA) to generate domains which are renewed every start of the week, making it more resilient to takedowns.

ZBOT-CryptoLocker Ties
The disruption of Gameover also damaged another malware threat, CryptoLocker. In October 2013, Trend Micro spotted a spam campaign that illustrated how ZeuS and CryptoLocker are connected. The spammed message contained a UPATRE variant which download ZeuSs variant, these in turn downloads the CryptoLocker on the system. This serves as the final payload of infection chain.

Trend has previously reported that CryptoLocker is a ransomware family known for encrypting certain files and locking the system it infects. Once the system is infected, the user is asked to pay ‘”ransom” to regain access to their files. Some of the payment methods used include:
Bitcoin
cashU
MoneyPak
Ukash
The latest Gameover update also contains a notorious rootkit family, NECURS. The purpose of installing NECURS is to protect the files, registries and process related to Gameover malware making it more arduous to remove.

Trend Micro protects users from this via its Smart Protection Network that detects the malicious files and spammed messages, and blocks all related URLs.
Trend Micro tools for GOZ and Cryptolocker Malware can be accessed in this page.

More Information Regarding Trend micro and other internet security devise and services is available from Plum Communications.

Wednesday, 4 June 2014

As of today O2 are changing their O2 travel proposition to better meet customer needs. As customers are now using more and more data, they are removing the restricted O2 Travel 15MB data and replacing it with all the data you need in Europe for only £1.66 per day.
What does “all the data you need in Europe” actually mean?
From 3 June customers will not have an upper limit on the data they can use on O2 Travel, however they will experience reduced speeds once they pass 50MB usage in any one day.
Who can have O2 Travel?
This product is available to all SMB customers on tariffs with domestic voice bundles. O2 Travel is not available for customers without domestic call bundles, e.g. B4B PAYU, Mobex, Mobile Broadband, iPad and Data Only tariffs.
Source O2

Friday, 16 May 2014

Plum Communications is now registered as a supplier with the new government funded Connection Vouchers Scheme to help UK businesses gain access to faster broadband speeds. The scheme opens the doors to companies who require a faster connection in order to improve their business. Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) is the government agency which manages a range of different broadband funds. It is also the body in charge of the Connection Vouchers scheme which runs up until March 2015.

Advantages Of Faster Broadband

The aim of the scheme is to provide the following kinds of service to businesses, charities and other enterprises in the UK:

A stronger ability to work collaboratively on projects with other groups within an organisation or with external organisations

The capability to upload and download large multi media files, making user and customer experiences easier and more streamlined

The ability to link up separate work sites and remote workers

Does My Business Qualify For The Connection Voucher Scheme?

Each business or organisation will have the chance of receiving the vouchers valued from £250 up to £3000 if they meet the required criteria for eligibility. If you are wondering whether or not your business qualifies for the Connection Vouchers Scheme then have a look below at some of the qualifying conditions. This list is not exhaustive so please speak to a member of the Plum Communications team to find out more information on eligibility.

Connections must cost over £200

The connection must indicate a step change in connectivity

Contract duration must be for at least six months

Small to Medium sized Enterprise need to meet the same definition as defined by the European Commission

You must be located in a local authority of one of the SuperConnected Cities

There are other conditions which also apply, please see guidance from your Local Authority on this as there are different rules for each city

How Do I Begin The Process?

Firstly contact Plum Communications for a quotation or estimate and an initial check on whether you may qualify for the scheme

You will then need to submit your application and quotation or estimate online

If your application is successful and you receive a voucher or conditional offer letter you will place your order with us at Plum Communications

You will be responsible for payment of VAT and the invoice amount less the voucher amount and you will send the invoice and claim form to your local authority for payment of the voucher amount

The Connection Voucher will contribute to or cover the initial installation cost. Connection costs in excess of £3000 and ongoing costs are not covered by the grant and your business will have to pay for those. If you are not in a SuperConnected City or do not qualify for a voucher we may be able to offer a reduced price installation by amortising the cost over the duration of the contract.

Thursday, 10 April 2014

Leading networking experts Cisco, has emphasised the growing significance of the ‘Internet of Everything’ for the future of businesses, people and nations.

The Internet of Everything is a concept described by Cisco as being the progression of networking capabilities between people, data, processes. Cisco’s recent report, The Internet Of Everything: Bringing the Future to Life, focuses on how the concept of IoE will influence the infrastructure of connections throughout the entire world and how it will have a positive impact on all industries. It reports that 50 billion ‘things’ will be globally connected by 2020.

The report outlines how the internet has already fundamentally altered the way in which businesses communicate with their customers and that is only with a small percentage of the world currently being connected. It suggests that with such a huge amount of connections in the future, businesses and their operations will be radically different.

The Plans Will Change The World’ Says Cisco Chief

Cisco Chief Executive of Cisco UK and Ireland, Phil Smith, said: “With just one percent of the physical world connected at this time, this is just the beginning of an amazing future. As connections become smarter, faster and more insightful, we will only see more imaginative and ambitious applications of the IoE which will quite literally change the world.”

In the future there will be people and areas of the planet that would normally be considered ‘unconnectable’ being easily and readily connected with everything being capable of having an internet address. Phil Smith says the world will ‘wake up’ with the internet of everything. He added: “From better, more sophisticated ways of selling to and engaging with customers, to increasingly efficient and slick supply chains and manufacturing processes, the Internet of Everything is being brought to life in a number of ways.

In the report, Cisco identifies five areas that will see the biggest benefits first: healthcare, retail, transport, energy and especially manufacturing.”

Plum Communications Providing Cisco Networking Solutions

Plum Communications provides Cisco systems to different organisation types and sizes. If you would like to know more about how your business can be better connected with Cisco then please get in touch with us on 0161 622 3500.

Wednesday, 9 April 2014

Pressure is
being put on the government to produce a broadband plan for the UK which will
position it amongst some of the leading countries, placing digital architecture
and mobile communication at the centre of some of their policies.

Broadband campaigners, Digital Business First, have received signatures from businesses
who support the concept of a new plan and who believe that a plan will help
determine positive economic growth for the country.

Other Countries Committed To A Digital Plan

The Digital
Business First campaigners highlight that other countries are investing heavily
and wisely into broadband capabilities, with France and South Korea being two
countries which the UK is being compared to.

France has
billions stored for investment in broadband and hopes to have 100 Mbps coverage
by 2023, while South Korea began investment into broadband connectivity decades
ago which has now allowed the country to be able to plan for 1 Gbps coverage
for the vast majority of its population by 2017.

National
Broadband Plan

A report
written by the organisation contains details of what a National Broadband Plan
(NBP) should encompass for the UK, including several clear objectives,
including the requirement for a 1000Mbps/1Gbps provision across the country by
2017; the need for a Regulatory Review and also 4G coverage for 98% of the
population as well as signal strength of 10Mbps. It also outlines the need for
‘5G’ to be a priority.

Broadband
For Businesses

A 2014
report also states that the use of broadband by both individuals and businesses
is growing at a rapid rate and that this growth is accelerating. It points out
that two leading telecoms companies recorded a 60% annual increase broadband
traffic over Christmas 2013 and tens of thousands of customers migrated to a
‘faster’ broadband network during that year. The subject of regional broadband
coverage is also raised in the report and specifically the question of whether
or not businesses and homes are getting the service they need.

Broadband
Services With Plum CommunicationsPlum
Communications is able to provide businesses with a range of different
telecommunications services including bespoke business telephone systems and
high speed business broadband. We understand that businesses need instant
access to the internet and as such, we can offer expert advice and information
about the best products and services to suit your businesses’ needs. Please get
in touch with our team on 0161 622 3500.

Monday, 17 March 2014

Businesses everywhere are feeling the positive impact of the world becoming a smaller
place in terms of mobile communication but what are the most important things to consider if you are thinking of employing a remote worker policy in your organisation and how do
you deploy the best telecommunications system that is right for your business?To help you work out the questions you need to be asking and the issues you need to think
about, we have put together some key considerations and facts aboutremote working
technology.

Benefits Of Remote Working

Many
companies who have employed a mobile or remote worker policy have seen travel
and time costs greatly reduced; an increase in employee contentment and an
ultimate rise in profits. The extension of the ‘office’ has allowed small to
medium sized firms to share a multitude of online resources such as databases
and file transfer sites. Virtual teams have cut down on meeting times by
utilising video conferencing and companies have successfully maintained their
corporate identity by working with shared technology.

Some small
companies have also reported that they are able to choose from some of the best
people in the industry, as they are not restricted by geographical location
when it comes to recruitment.

Do I Need An IT Strategy To Support My Remote Worker Policy?

Because technology is the main enabler of remote
working, you will need to have a firm strategy in place to get things right
from the start. According to a white paper written by growth partnership
organisation, Frost and Sullivan, ‘Mobile Collaboration and the Small and
Midsize Market’: “ IT Managers must implement an enterprise mobility
solution in order to stay competitive in a world in which business gets done
24/7 from any location and on a growing number of devices.”

Your Company’s Mobile
Phone Policy

The paper
also reports that because there has been mass consumerisation of IT in recent
years, particularly with the advent of Smart Phones, many people integrate their
own personal mobile devices with business.It advises that while this can save costs for businesses it is important
to remember that it does not offer any security or safety measures. It
recommends that businesses should undertake an assessment of all mobile
workers’ technology needs to develop a clear mobile
device strategy.

What Is
Unified Communications?

Unified Communication systems allow workers to
communicate on a number of different mediums e.g. if you send a voicemail to a
colleague he/she has the option of picking this up on an email. The idea behind
Unified Communications is to allow users to correspond in the best medium for
any given piece of information and get answers as quickly as possible.

Unified
communications uses the following different types of real-time communications
services:

Instant
messaging

Presence
information

IP
Telephony

Speech recognition

Video conferencing

Interactive whiteboards

Finding The
Right Remote Worker Technology With Plum
Communications

If you are
considering employing people who need remote access then Plum
Communications can provide you with the right solution. The Plum
Homeworker is a popular product as it affordable, reliable and efficient. We
are also accredited to sell and install the following products and solutions:

AVAYA

Cisco

SonicWall

Microsoft

Nokia

HP

Netgear

We supply services from a range of suppliers includingBT
Openreach, Talk Talk Business, Vodafone, Enta, Gamma, O2, EE, 3, Microsoft, Cisco, Avaya.If you would like more information and advice
on any of our telecoms
solutions then please
get in touch with us on 0161 622 3500.

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Plum Communications

Plum Communications

Plum Communications provide telecom services to businesses in the United Kingdom. The company was formed in December 1998 and has been continuously providing service to UK businesses since then. Customers benefit from a wide range of voice and data services and supported is provided by Plum's UK based staff.

Customers like the personal approach and the ability to speak to a named member of staff and not an automated attendant when service is required.

This blog is a random collection of news items and comment on the telecoms industry, business environment, and general matters affecting people's lives. You are welcome to respond to any blog item by clicking on the comment link at the end of each article.

If you wish to make general comments or have an enquiry please click on the link below and for more information about the company and to visit our web site please click on the photograph above.